For many people that are newly recovered, finding the “right” job is a difficult process. Nurses specialize in monitoring and treating patients for substance use disorders within the facility. Nurses help provide pain management throughout a client’s stay and important information about substance abuse and its dangers. There are many factors to consider when looking at starting a career following recovery.

Another option is to explore non-profit organizations within your state or connect with a state department to get additional resources to aid you during the job search. For instance, Massachusetts offers a state-funded program, Access to Recovery (ATR), which provides MA residents with six-month treatment and employment services. Telling prospective employers about your past history with drug use and addiction is highly personal and it is up to you to disclose that information. Laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Workforce Investment Act protect the right of individuals with disabilities, which can include those with past substance abuse issues. However, these laws do not protect those who are currently abusing drugs and alcohol. This non-profit organization was founded by Ty Reed, who overcame substance abuse issues to become a prominent career coach and thought leader.

Is There a Job Placement Agency Just for Senior Citizens?

You’ll also need to factor in the flexibility you need to maintain your recovery program. Our addiction treatment facilities are operated by caring medical professionals and support staff, who all play an essential role in helping people begin the path to recovery and beyond. America has a high demand for workers in addiction treatment and behavioral health careers. Once you’ve identified your career path, you’ll need to create a compelling resume to generate interview opportunities during the job search. As you craft your content, you’ll want to tailor your document toward individual job applications carefully.

If you can’t find work, you can also look into performing volunteer work in order to gain valuable job experience and skills. You can also sign up for work with a temp agency or possibly work for a company on an internship basis if they allow interns. Additionally, you can receive extra education and job training by enrolling in a local job training program. And if you’re https://en.forexpamm.info/abstinence-violation-an-overview/ looking for a way to expand your network while supporting your recovery, check out RCA’s Alumni Association. You’ll meet other like-minded individuals who will help you in your journey of finding a new job and strengthening your recovery. You may be tempted to apply for any job listing you come across, but you should have a list of criteria for what makes a job ideal.

Be Open and Honest with Potential Employers

While not mandatory, a professional certification in personal training is a great resume booster. To give yourself a leg up in the job market, make sure you have a certificate of completion by your side. Trained yoga teachers are expected to complete a set amount of hours before becoming instructors. Programs approved by the Yoga Alliance mandate at least 200 hours of training. Remember, how important it is to choose a career that fits with your recovery goals? Did you grow your skills in building, cooperation, problem-solving, and writing at your program?

• Not only do you get to work with what you love, but you can also maintain a schedule that works with your recovery plan.
• I believe that it is a professional responsibility for clinical supervisors to offer affordable supervision services to recent graduates and new counselors.
• Ask for help, be patient with yourself, be proud of how far you’ve come—and have confidence in where you’re going.
• Returning to the workforce can be empowering if you’ve struggled with addiction for a long time or had trouble keeping jobs before.
• These individuals help clients improve communication and work through problems with loved ones and family members.

If you’re obligated to return to work after completing a substance abuse rehab program, lean on your support network to keep you strong. Reaching out to a counselor or a loved one in times of struggle is an act of strength. Stress is a common trigger among people in recovery from addiction and those who struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Checking in with yourself regularly can help alleviate unnecessary stress and increase your own self-awareness of where you are emotionally and mentally. As you prepare for your job search, you may wonder how to navigate the inevitable gaps on your resume. Even if you were employed before entering rehab, the time spent in a rehab center may create gaps on a chronological or time-based resume.

Finding Employment in Recovery: The Interview

A substance use counselor can help walk you through all the possible scenarios of what could happen, and help you feel more confident in what information you do choose to share. Even still, having concerns about discrimination, or facing judgment from people in your workplace because of your substance use history is valid. Regardless of the legality, it’s possible that employers may still be prejudiced in their hiring practices.

Everyone attends some form of therapy, as well as 12 Step recovery meetings, and there are additional therapies we recommend for people based on their needs. You may be invited to participate in EMDR, a new therapy to release trauma or have an extra group or individual counseling sessions added to your schedule. These are just a few ideas for jobs that appeal to recovered addicts, and for which people in recovery may be well-suited. Work with your sponsor and therapist to figure out an action plan to stay working and sober. For example, if temptation occurs while on the job, have your cell phone handy and give program friends a call to talk.

responses to “A Guide To Finding Employment In Recovery”

Working part-time or in a flexible position can be a helpful way to balance your recovery with your career. It can allow you to prioritize your recovery and attend meetings or therapy sessions as needed while still earning an income. Federal civil rights laws protect American workers from being discriminated against on the basis of having a disability, under the American Disabilities Act (ADA). Mental health disorders, including substance disorders, are included under these protections.

• Recovery is a lifelong journey that is going to have bumps and hurdles.
• The program gives former drug addicts and alcoholics an opportunity to return to work and become productive again.
• Working can provide financial stability and support for yourself and your loved ones.
• As you prepare for your job search, you may wonder how to navigate the inevitable gaps on your resume.
• With the flexibility to work in a number of settings, jobs in addiction recovery offer the opportunity and the variation to make a life-long career.

These individuals assess, diagnose and treat people who have mental health disorders. Remember, talk to your recovery counselor and sponsor about which jobs to avoid before setting your sights on a career path. If you need to disclose your struggles with addiction to employers due to a legal issue, you can still frame your recovery journey in a positive way. For instance, you could explain to the hiring manager that overcoming these challenges would make you a valuable member of their team.

Include any relevant education, work experience, or training—and focus on the positive aspects of your work history. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a job hunt, but take your time with things. If you’re still in recovery, make sure you’re emotionally ready to deal with the pressures of a job and workplace.

For others, like Tulvey, addiction goes hand-in-hand with jail time and a criminal record. For every one of these jobs, there are probably 10 more out there with similar characteristics. Entry-level work that offers you training, a steady paycheck and the chance to gain job skills will help you slowly but surely rebuild your life as you proceed in your recovery. In order to keep your new job, following common sense rules is often the best way to stay employed. For example, you want to maintain a good attendance record and you should arrive on time each day or shift.

Employers need to see that you are growing as an employee and person over time. Take advantage of opportunities for professional development, like conferences or training sessions. By showing that it is possible to overcome addiction and succeed in your career, you can help break the stigma and provide What is a Halfway House? What to Expect in Halfway Housing hope to others. A steady income can help you afford recovery expenses, like therapy or medication. It can also provide a sense of independence and the ability to live a fulfilling, self-sufficient life. Working during recovery can help you connect with others and form new social connections.